Graphics Card Options

[Indybird]

-See the latest post for my current question-

Thanks,
Indybird

[Scotty]

No point in getting a 640MB GTS, the 320MB is pretty much the same performance until you go to 1600x1200 upwards.
As for Crossfire, it can usually cause more trouble not many games support it etc.
If you could get a 8800GTX that would be much better.
Id still say the 8800GTS, never really liked ATi Green is a much nicer colour then red... lol, not heard much good stuff about their drivers either.

[Indybird]

I am planning on running all of the newest games on Full Settings @ 1680x1050, so wouldn't Crossfire be better for that?
Anyways, all I need to know is what would have better performance out of those two options above.

-Indybird

[xRyokenx]

Get the 8800, when they get cheaper you could get a board that supports SLI and just do that. Less to replace later on. nVidia's better to begin with, lol, at least in my opinion. My neighbor has an 8800 something or other in a PC he just built and it runs stuff on really high settings at high resolutions quite well, so just go with the 8800.

[learning2mod]

I would personally go with the 8800GTS....and yes I think the 640mb is a waste. I would also be willing to bet that a single 8800 is faster than 2 2600's. I have seen bad reviews on those 2600's. most of them stating they are SLOW and not worth buying. One of the reviews said that a XT1900XTX or 1950 something is faster than the 2600 by a fair margin.

If anyone has two 2600's in a crossfire set up and would like to post some benchmarks we could compare:D

[xRyokenx]

I say though, that if you want to fork out the extra cash, the higher memory one would be better later on down the road, it's what I'd do. I got the 512mb version of my card because it was $50 more and had a 256 bit interface instead of 128... soooo much nicer than any other card I've used, but I'm still unable to play much newer stuff on high... sucks, but in a few years I'll build a kickass rig, that's one of my side goals. We shall see.

But yeah... umm... *clicks "Post Quick Reply" button*

[Indybird]

I know this is a really dumb reason but, I want to get the 640MB because its PCB is black. You just can't get a 320MB w/ a black PCB. Other than that, I really think I'll need the extra 320MB since I will be running in 1680x1050 and sometimes 1080P. Well, I don't think I'll do the 2600XTs because: 1) There no online reviews for either one I want to buy 2)You guys say they are junk 3)I've heard about a few major problems when running crossfire.

Thanks,
Indybird

[learning2mod]

INDY...if you want to get the 640mb w/ the black PCB...go ahead. BUT I COULD BE WRONG IN THIS ....the only one that I know of that has the BLACK pcb is the EVGA and I think that it is a A2 stepping core. From what I have seen one the internet the A3's will clock WAY higher. so with that said if you DONT plan on overclocking then go with the Black....you all you cae about is speed then get another one. Or one with the A3 stepping.
A close friend of mine has the EVGA 640....I have a BFG 320...I can blow him away in every benchmark that I have. His is a A2 and mine is a A3.....
But in the end I think you will be happy with either one:p

[.Maleficus.]

8800 for sure. I've posted a few times a great comparison between the GTS 640MB, GTS 320MB, and the 2900XT, and the 320 kept up with both the entire time (never trailing by over 10fps). For the price and performance, the GTS is the best way to go. And for you I'd say you're right by getting the 640MB.

[Indybird]

OK, so heres the big vote now:
8800GTS 640MB
-or-
8800GTS 320MB

I'm forgetting about the PCB color since I'll be making my own custom Graphics card cover...

-Indybird

[Scotty]

320MB. It keeps up with the 640 easily. And you save some cash to put to other components :D

[learning2mod]

320mb.....save the extra$$$$ for more toys

[Indybird]

I really dunno about the 320MB, I've seen alot of online reviews that say the 320MB is like 10-20fps worse on high-resolution gaming (which I'll be doing). Are you sure those will be good for high-resolution gaming?

-Indybird

[Mitternacht]

I wanted to do Crossfire with 2 X1650 PRO's; thats why I bought the K9A Platinum. But right now I just upgraded to a XFX GeForce 7600GT card, and I love it. I'm thinking of switching my mobo to the K9N Platinum so I can SLI 2 7600GT's. I personally dont believe in buying the biggest baddest cards, just what can handle the work at 1024*768, and sometimes 1280*960.

[learning2mod]

One way to look @ it INDY is this....anything faster than 32FPS will seem seemless. So if you have a high res , and the 320 will only do 50 and the 640 will do 60 you will never see the difference. If knowing in your head that the 320 may be a little slower @ real high res's then by all means get the 640mb mate;)

[.Maleficus.]

One way to look @ it INDY is this....anything faster than 32FPS will seem seemless. So if you have a high res , and the 320 will only do 50 and the 640 will do 60 you will never see the difference. If knowing in your head that the 320 may be a little slower @ real high res's then by all means get the 640mb mate;)
Exactly what I was going to say. Anything above 40fps is really all in your head. If you need the highest amount possible, you may as well get the GTX. If you want to play games at a high res with high settings, and don't care if someone gets 10fps higher than you, then get the 320.

[xRyokenx]

I still say get the 640mb one. Games in a few years will require more powerful cards, so get the best now so you don't spend an assload later on to upgrade and play. Well, if you want to spend the extra cash anyway, but I'd spend $50-100 or so more to save some later on, lol. But that's just me... and if I am, I'll stop repeating myself now, lol.

[learning2mod]

I think he really wants someone to tell him for sure that a 320 will run games @ fast frame rates @ very high res's.
The only thing I got for him is that mine averages in FEAR w/EVERYTHING ON @1280/1024 ...107FSP. thats pretty good. BUT thats not @ stock speeds. I think the average was 80 something @ stock clocks....maybe...I could check and see.

[Indybird]

OK, I've read some more online reviews and am definitely getting the 640MB version.

However, I am now wondering: are there any new cards coming out any time soon? I'm thinking about stuff like the nvidia 8900 series. When is that coming out anyway?

Thanks,
Indybird

[GrimReality]

the next geforce series will be out 4th quarter '07 I do believe. So a smart buyer would find the current card he/she wants and wait until those next generation one come out and then buy. There should be a good markdown on the current gen once those come out. Unless you can't wait til then.

[crenn]

Well I'm waiting for the next gen xD

[Indybird]

I don't even really need my new graphics card until Crysis, UTIII and Gears of War...

The problem is that I'm going to have to sell my Radeon X1900XTX real soon. I can't sell it for lower than $250 because I won't get enough money. Do you think I'll still be able to sell it for $250 at that point?

-Indybird

[.Maleficus.]

I don't even really need my new graphics card until Crysis, UTIII and Gears of War...

The problem is that I'm going to have to sell my Radeon X1900XTX real soon. I can't sell it for lower than $250 because I won't get enough money. Do you think I'll still be able to sell it for $250 at that point?

-Indybird
Probably not.

You could sell it now, and then use a crap PCI-E card to keep your computer running until you buy the nice one, but you'll end up spending $50 on something you'll sell, and in the end you'll still be losing money. So the choice is up to you. When I buy my GTS I plan on keeping my X1600Pro as a spare if I ever have issues with the GTS and need a quick fix for my computer. But if you want that cash for the new card...

[Greco101]

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-ASUS-Radeon-X1900XTX-DDR3-DVI-Video-Card-EAX1900XTX_W0QQitemZ220143465722QQihZ012QQcategory Z40159QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


*adds to favorite sellers* check out his items and prices... Items are a little redundant but some pretty sweet deals.

Newegg New (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889005004) vs Refurbished (http://cgi.ebay.com/LG-37-M3701C-Flat-LCD-Monitor-Great-for-Digital-TV_W0QQitemZ220144073571QQihZ012QQcategoryZ51047QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

[ownaginatious]

I still say get the 640mb one. Games in a few years will require more powerful cards, so get the best now so you don't spend an assload later on to upgrade and play. Well, if you want to spend the extra cash anyway, but I'd spend $50-100 or so more to save some later on, lol. But that's just me... and if I am, I'll stop repeating myself now, lol.

A few years? Anything computer related a few years old by then will be crap.

[Indybird]

So about the next series of graphics cards. What are they? and are they coming within the next 2 months? Should I wait for those?

Thanks,
Indybird

[Spawn-Inc]

new cards already??? jeez, i knew they come out fast but at least let the price drop a couple of times on current cards...


On August 30, 2007 the day of November 12, 2007 was announced by a source [11] as the release day for G92 based graphics cards. The same source stated that G98 based cards' release date is still unknown.

[Indybird]

Wow, thanks. I am going to wait for the G92s to come. I think I can wait 2 months.

+rep

-Indybird

[Spawn-Inc]

well pending on prices i might go for one too. right now i'm saving up for ram, cpu, monitor, video card in that order. if the best or near best card falls in the 800 or less range all get it, provided it beats the 8800 cards.

[Indybird]

since the 9800GTS will be around $400 Im definitely going for that. Heres a quick little early specs sheet (http://forums.firingsquad.com/firingsquad/board/message?board.id=hardware&thread.id=107279).

Im liking the looks of that...

-Indybird

[Spawn-Inc]

since the 9800GTS will be around $400 Im definitely going for that. Heres a quick little early specs sheet (http://forums.firingsquad.com/firingsquad/board/message?board.id=hardware&thread.id=107279).

Im liking the looks of that...

-Indybird

oh man thats crazy stuff! 2x faster than a ultra for about the same price, i am for sure getting a 9800 GTX.


MADD+ADD configuration for the shader untis (2+1 FLOPS=3 FLOPS per ALU)

what does Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Attention Deficit Disorder have to do with video cards?


+rep return for the specs!

[crenn]

Hmmm.... I think I'll save up for a lovely 9800GTX. But it seems that early spec sheet is wrong... maybe.

[Indybird]

I am guessing it is slightly exaggerated. I mean 2x the power of an 8800GTX, thats hard to believe. Though a lot of those specs do sound like something you'd find in the next-gen hardware. If the cards are anything at all like those then I'll definitely get one. Since all of the graphics-intensive new games (UTIII, Assassins Creed, Crysis, Haze, etc.) are coming in November anyway, that'll be fine. I can wait.

-Indybird

[Scotty]

These are due for November then? Hmmm, should i get a GTX now, or buy something cheaper and then get one of these... i dunno...arrrggghhh. Thing is i see the GTS costing £300 and the GTX version at about £400>£450 which is a quite a bit more then a 8800GTX is now...

[Omega]

Don't get an 8800. Get two 7800/7900/7950's and run SLi. Unless you NEED DX10.

But honestly, I'm pretty sure 7800's should be able to handle that relatively well (I'll get back to you on that however, after I get the chance to play BF2 on mine).

[TheGreatSatan]

What OS are you running? The last MaxPC did a side-by-side of the 8800 with one on XP and the other on Vista. XP blew Vista away!

[Omega]

Me? I'm running WinXP. I was just thinking though, I really doubt any games will fully utilize the power of the 8800 yet, its probably tons cheaper to run 7950 in SLi.

[TheGreatSatan]

Like I said the 8800 runs DX9 a lot better than DX 10

[Spawn-Inc]

never mind the 8800 cards or the 7800/7900/7950's in sli wait 2 months and get a 9800 GTX! thats what i will end up doing i think.

Edit: oh i basically already said that above... ohwell.

[TheGreatSatan]

What's that gonna cost $600?

[Bucko]

Me? I'm running WinXP. I was just thinking though, I really doubt any games will fully utilize the power of the 8800 yet, its probably tons cheaper to run 7950 in SLi.


Last time I looked on Newegg you could get an 8800GTX for less than two 7950's.

[Indybird]

OK, heres what I'm going to do. Im going to wait another month for the HD2900Pros to come out. Then for $460 I'll get 2 of them in crossfire. That'll be a nice setup.

-Indybird

[Quakken]

that will be very nice. VERY nice.

[Omega]

Last time I looked on Newegg you could get an 8800GTX for less than two 7950's.

Well then, I stand corrected. And I'm pretty sure the 8800 will munch the head right off of dual 7950's. Not to mention, I know a classmate whose had problems with 7950's. All three he's owned have inadvertently killed themselves.